First Time for Everything

Since we are closing in on our vacation coming to an end, we thought we would take the day and go ice skating in St. Louis. We went with our friend Mary, and her three kids, Parker, Lila, and Hunter. None of the kids had ever been. It had been many years (not to mention), since Heath, Mary, and I had been. I will say that Mary and I still had it, but Heath was a different story. He pretty much held on to the wall the entire time, only taking about 45 minutes to complete the circle on the rink.

We went ice skating at the Mills Ice Zone, which holds practice for the St. Louis Blues hockey team. The kids thoroughly enjoyed it and got the hang of it pretty quick.

Corby took a few tumbles at the beginning.

As you can tell the backside of Preston was quite wet from falling.

Corby's look tells all.

Down he goes again.

Corby really got the hang of it and took off on his own.

Lila trying to help Corby up.

Preston getting more brave.

Preston on the move as I was taking a picture through the glass.

Conner and Hunter enjoyed the day by taking part in the concessions.

Pretty much where Heath stayed on his time in the rink.

At first, Corby held a tight grip onto Mary.

Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'

We've hit that milestone of rolling over. Although, he hasn't quite mastered going from stomach to back. I think we are getting ready for a busy days ahead! He looks like a turtle that can't get rolled over.

OK, now what do I do?

Oh my, the world looks different from this angle.

Hi mom.

Getting ready to be on the move.

Would you get that camera out of my face.

Boys' New Toy

Over the past few months, the boys have been saving their chore money, and also received some Christmas money. They were actually saving it for Nintendo DS's, but since Santa marked that off their lists, they really didn't know what they wanted to get. Heath and I gave them the idea to combine their money and to put it towards an air hockey table. They thought this was a great idea. They love to go to my brother's house and play his, and they thought it was cool that they now would have their own to play on. We only had a few minor arguments in the beginning of Corby hitting the puck to hard to hurt his brother's fingers.

Heath thought it would be pretty simple to put together...which ended up taking 4 hours!

Preston going for the score!

Gotta love the expressions.

Don't cheat Preston!

Corby going for the score.

Exercauser Time

Finally, I feel like Quin is getting big enough to enjoy some of his toys. I feel so bad that he just lays there and watches the world around him. We still have the best baby ever. Even when he was sick this past week, you would have never known...except for him running a fever and fighting his bottle. He loves his new toy...we are sure that we will find Conner in it soon.

Sitting up so big!

Happy as can be.

You talking to me?

Ahhh, something to put in my mouth.

This thing is pretty cool!

Happy 10th Anniversary

Gosh, look how 10 years of marriage and 4 kids can really age you! Ha! Love the bangs!

Heath and I celebrated 10 years yesterday (December 27th, 1997). Wow, has it really been that long. I remember it was a beautiful day in the 50's, and we were so worried about snow and ice this time of year with everyone flying in for our big day! I can defiantly tell that we have aged in the past 10 years!

We took a getaway to St. Louis, while my parents watched the kids. We started off the evening by eating at Cunetto's Italian Restaurant on the "Hill" (Italian area of St. Louis), and then we checked into the Westin Hotel downtown. We were treated to wine (Heath and I will just save the bottle, as we did from our wedding night and add it to our collection, since we are not wine drinkers!) and chocolate covered strawberries. I then surprised Heath and rented a Jaguar Limousine, and it took us to our first stop at Bailey's Chocolate Bar. What a neat and romantic atmosphere this place had! (As you look at the pictures, you will see that Heath was fighting a horrible cold and is on antibiotics). Heath had a hot tea (how romantic)and I had a hot chocolate martini (which I did not care for, but they are famous for their martini's), oh and we can't forget the decadent brownie served with Bailey's ice cream and drizzled with Carmel sauce...too die for! We then went to the brand new Lumiere Casino located downtown. We actually did not donate to the St. Louis tourism fund, but walked away with winnings of $70!

We had a fabulous time, although we came home to Corby and Conner sick with high fevers. Never fails when we go somewhere. Oh, I forgot to mention, that Heath spoiled me for my anniversary and bought me some Ugg boots!

Christmas Day

We were hoping that the kids would be so worn out from all of our activities on Christmas Eve, that they would pass out in bed and sleep in a little! WRONG! Corby came down to our bedroom at 3am to let me know that Santa had arrived and that he would like to open presents. We told him that we were not waking the others up and that he would have to go back to bed for awhile. He said he couldn't sleep and asked if he could go downstairs to watch a movie. At 3am...I really don't care what the heck he did as long as I got a couple more hours to sleep. I was then was awakened by the surround sound of the Stars Wars movie coming from the basement. Heath had to go down and turn it off. Once the movie was over at 5am..he then asked if we could open presents. NO!!! So our final alarm clock went off with Quin at 7:12am! We then heard Preston and Conner's voice in the living room, and only to find Corby sound asleep on the couch. Gosh to be 7 years old again, and the anticipation and spirit of Christmas to be so magical!

The boys main items on top of their lists this year were the Nintendo DS's...you know Santa can't bring one without the other one getting one. Good thing, he made sure they are different colors and have different cases!

As for Quin, he seemed a little better this morning and then when we made our final destination from Heath's family to my family, he seemed to get worse. Luckily, my friend's husband is our Family Practitioner and he came to our rescue and met us up at our town clinic to check him (oh did I mention Heath was sick also)! We are doing breathing treatments 4x day and Heath also got checked out and had a 102 temp! What an awesome way to end this Christmas!

Well hope everyone had a great Christmas! We sure did! Enjoy the pictures!

Corby pretty proud of his Nintendo DS.

Preston has to be like big brother!

Conner kept asking for "another present". This year was great to see his face light up as he opened each and every gift.

He's all about airplanes and helicopters.

Quin was just happy as can be with the wrapping paper.

Not feeling so good.

All decked out in his Christmas outfit.

As you can tell in this picture, Conner is crying because he wanted to hold Quin.

Preston helping pass out the presents and Grandma Barb and Papa Tom's house.

Quin got an overhaul today, as everyone buys for the new babies of the family.

Corby and Alicia waiting to pass out presents.

Quin telling us how he really felt to be sick on his 1st Christmas!

Quin just chilling on Heath's lap during gift exchange.

O' Christmas Tree...

Before the boys rip into the presents in the morning, I wanted to get one last picture of the tree all decorated with the presents under it that Santa had brought. Hopefully they will let us sleep in just a little in the morning...no chance of that I'm sure.

Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas Eve!!! We had a great Christmas Eve at my parents home. Although, Quinn, Matt and the girls were completely whipped. To make a long story short, they took a weekend trip on the Amtrak to Chicago before the holidays. On their way home they stopped on the tracks, to be told that they were having engine problems. Well it was later discovered that the train ran out of fuel! Go figure! So they sat on the train from 10pm-1:30am without any electricity, water, or heat! They then were bussed back to their train station, only to arrive home at 3:30! So, they were a little exhausted today!

On another side note, it wouldn't be Christmas if someone wasn't sick. Poor Quin feels horrible. He has a deep conjested cough, which Heath and I debated on taking him to the Emergency Room tonight. He has yet to have a full bottle today and is having trouble breathing. We did put a call into the ER at 10:15pm tonight and told us we would receive a call back in 10 minutes. We are still waiting 2 1/2 hours later. That's the hospital for you! So we "Vixed" him up hoping that will loosen him up some. We pray for a better Christmas Day!

Grandy and Grandma spoiled us once again. The kids enjoyed each others company (maybe not Chloe and Conner, they have a love/hate relationship). We opened gifts in the afternoon, went to mass at 5pm in Hannibal, and then headed back for some good eats.

The boys are tucked in anxiously awaiting of Santa in the morning. It is 12:46am and I needed to get some pictures downloaded so I had room tomorrow.

Merry Christmas To All...and To All a Good Night!

The adult tree upstairs.

Kids ready to open their presents downstairs.

Grandma with some of the grandkids.

Sheri opening one of her presents.

Preston was pretty excited he got a new Truman. His old one was left at the Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City back in the fall.

Maggie and Sydney enjoyed being with each other during the day.

Grandy adding to his Mizzou collection.

Corby holding Quin before opening presents.

Corby was pretty proud early this month, when his #1 Quarterback, Chase Daniel, made the cover of Sports Illustrated. Grandy thought it would be a great gift to have this framed to add to his Mizzou room.

Just what Conner needed was a new bat and ball...but as you can tell a Mizzou one at that.

You gotta love Aunt and Uncles! This was a great gift to Preston from Chris and Sheri...you guys wait until next year! Ha!

If you know my dad, you know #1 he loves Christmas, and #2 he loves surprises. He had all the grandchildren line up and had a letter on each paper that my mom had to unscramble to figure out her Christmas gift. It spelled C-E-L-I-N-E...for those of you who don't know her, my mom was given floor tickets to the Celine Dion concert next November in St. Louis...I told my dad that I would be willing to go in his place if he had other plans. :)

My brother Chris, with his wife Sheri and their kids Maggie and Kohler.

Ok, I promise, we took like a million family photos, and this was the best one. Isn't that sad.

My sister Quinn, with her husband Matt, and girls Sydney and Chloe and Delaney Marie due in March.

Can you tell that Quin felt horrible! So here is our wonderful picture of our boys all dressed up for church.

As you can tell from this picture, Chloe did not want to take part in the picture with Grandma and Grandy, so Matt had to stand in. There always has to be one in the group.

Chloe enjoying one of her books she received.

Grandma and Grandy all dressed up for church.

This is our annual "sister" picture.

The hat tells all!

Miss Chloe all pretty.

Heath's 35th Birhday

Happy Birthday To You...

Heath turned 35 on Friday, the 21st! The boys were excited because I told them that their dad was also going to go see Alvin and the Chipmunks for his birthday! Well let's just say he spent $7 to take a nap...he always says, it is the best money he ever spends! We came back to our house and enjoyed a chocolate cake from Hyvee that Corby picked out. Well you know that would be a fight, so Preston insisted on picking out a birthday present from there also. What the heck would you buy your dad at a grocery store. Well Preston pinned it on the head...a Bud light Bucket filled with peanuts and beer...who could ask for anything more. We're so proud (sarcasm)! Heath was thrilled with his gift...yes he did also get some new clothes and shoes besides the liquid present.

Happy Birthday Heathie!

Corby thought this cake was perfect since it was close to Christmas.

The boys enjoyed blowing out the candles on his cake.

Good thing we didn't put all 35 candles on that cake!

What a great gift for a son to get his dad!

Grandma Ruthie even came over to enjoy some cake and to see the boys.

Opening My First Present

Well not exactly how I wanted him to open his first present! I laid him under lights while the boys were watching TV...and Conner came to get me to tell me that Quin was opening the presents under the tree. He was having a hay day with the paper! Of course trying to chew on it. We think his first tooth has come through, but we can't tell for sure. Although he won't have a clue this Christmas, it will still be wonderful!

School Christmas Program

Before school dismissed for the holiday break, Holy Rosary held their annual Christmas program this morning. I was very proud of both boys! Corby even had a speaking part and did very well. The boys are anxiously awaiting Christmas and are counting down the days. I am taking the day off on Friday and taking them to see the new Alvin and the Chipmunks movie. We are meeting my sister and her 2 girls and we asked Grandma to come along. Heath and I still have some last minute shopping to do, which we will take care of on Sunday. Heath will turn the big 35 on Friday! Lots of events happening around our house...oh and our big 10 year anniversary next Thursday the 27th. Gosh...has it really been 10 years so far????

My Son..The Dork...

We got home from Heath's ballgame tonight, and when I was on the phone, I look up and this is what I see. Conner thought the urge to pick up my glasses and try them on. He asked me if "he looked like a dork"? What do you think? I think he is a little Dennis the Menace! His new phrase at 2 1/2 that he has picked up from his two older brothers lately has been "that's not fair". It's hard to take him so seriously and not to laugh when this expression comes out of his mouth.

Well onto the pictures of Conner, once again to something....

Kansas City Plaza

We took a mini-weekend getaway to Kansas City before all the hustle and bustle of the holidays to see the famous Plaza lights, with our friends Steve and Dawn and their 3 girls. It seems that the past 3 weekends, we have been slammed with bad weather, but that didn't stop us. The weather was horrible when we left on Saturday morning. They were calling for 4-6 inches of snow, which I think we ended up with more like 8 to 10! We took it slow, and we had a scare when a car lost it in front of us on I-35! Whew, we finally made it to our first destination....Independence Center (AKA MALL!). For those of you who are not familiar with my husband..#1-HE HATES CROWDS and #2- HE HATES ANY MALL! What better place for him to be in a huge snow storm with 4 kids!

We have only had the boys picture taken once in their lives with Santa, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity! OK, not realizing everyone else in the Kansas City metro area had the same idea. (Smart minds think alike!). We stood in line for an hour to get our precious angels pictures taken with Ol' St. Nick! They did wonderful. I bribed Conner the entire hour to sit on his lap, and he even smiled! (What a proud mom!)

Our trip then consisted of one crazy event after another.. Here goes the list:

#1. 45 minutes sitting trying to get out of mall parking lot.
#2. 14 degree temps on our carriage ride. (Katie had to purchase snow boots for herself and new stocking hats for boys as she left them on kitchen table at home).
#3. Horse decides to get rid of his daily intake on Preston, Conner, & Heath after picture was taken.
#4. Corby's zipper on coat breaks and we had to remove it over his head which left the zipper indention on his forehead.
#5. I realize in the morning that I forgot to pack clothes for Preston (remember he can't put back on his jeans from the night before because he has horse do do all over them).
#6. Preston has to wear Corby's PJ's into Target to get new clothes.
#7. Our Friends Dawn and her husband Steve both wake up with the stomach flu and were vomiting all night long.

So as you can tell we had an eventful trip! It is never a dull moment with us. Anyways, sit back and relax because their are numerous pictures!

Taken at mall.

Waiting in the Santa line.

What a handsome crew.

Corby telling Santa all his "wants".

Preston was pretty shy.

Conner had to do something thinking as to whether he's been good or bad this year.

Our friend Dawn with her oldest daughter Lauren.

Eating at Tomfooleries. Aren't those cute kids' baskets.

Baby it was COLD outside.

Taken in front of the restaurant.

Kids were excited to see Santa on the Plaza.

The Tower lights on the Plaza.

It was a bitter night, but the sights were beautiful.

Boys in front of our horse "Ziggy".

I don't think I have ever been so cold in my life.

Quin was all bundled up in his snowsuit.

Quin sitting on carriage ride. He was absolutely perfect the entire weekend.

The gang enjoyed the ride, despite how fridgid it was.

Can you tell they were whipped.

We made a quick stop by to see our friend Matt & Shelly and their boys, Austin & Aiden on our way home.

Always up to something

That's exactly what Conner was doing today when I was busy doing a million things on my day off. We got struck by the lovely ice storm again last night and there was no school. I made the decision that I was only going to be open for 5 kids today, and decided to close. I took full advantage of my day off and got all my laundry caught up and put away, de-trashed the boy's closets (you can't believe the stuff they were hoarding!), and I even completed all 97 Christmas cards tonight and they will be put in the mail tomorrow. Of course that comes with not a single shower taken today! I'm still in my pajama bottoms I wore to bed last night! Yes, I did brush my hair and teeth, but let me tell you, I kind of enjoyed a day not going through the "process" as Heath calls it. Not to put on one ounce of makeup or dry my hair or take a flat iron to it! I enjoyed being a major house mom today! Now, I will say, I give 100% respect for stay at home moms! I really don't think it would be my call to stay at home everyday and do this. From talking to my sister today, she says the winter gets very long being indoors! I have to agree looking out at the gloom of trees frozen today and raining, was not a sight I could stand for 4 months straight!

Once Corby figured out that these were his stickers that Conner found in his notebook (which he left on the coffee table), #1 fight had to be broken up. Of course it was my fault for letting him get them in the first place and I should have known that they were in there. It was really fun peeling them off of his eyebrow! Well just another Kodak moment in Conner's life. Let me tell you, he keeps me hopping! At least at the daycare he has 19 other kids to play with instead of getting into everything at home today. Hope the eastern part of our family doesn't get this lovely weather we have enjoyed! Now they are calling for snow tomorrow night! Lovely! Hopefully it won't interfere with our Christmas Lights trip to Kansas City this weekend!

If you can see by Conner's shirt, it says "Pedal To The Medal". This shirt truly fits him.

Brrr....It's Cold Outside

If it's one thing I hate...that is being COLD!!! I hate winter! I could bake in the sun anyday, but this freezing weather is for the dogs! I had to caputre a picture of the boys outside in the freezing cold, because I thought they looked so cute in their stocking hats! As you can see it was 24 degrees and they refuse to wear a jacket. (I know whose the mother here?). We were headed out this afternoon to get some groceries, and they refuse to wear a coat in the car with their seat belts. Well hopefully we will get one good snow this winter so they can have their annual snowball fight or build a snowman. I like to capture the memories inside, while sipping on some cocoa!

Suzy Homemaker

The weather was perfect outside to stay inside today and make some holiday treats. We got slammed last evening with ice, and that is yet the beginning of what they say is to come in the next few days. The boys have always wanted to make a gingerbread house so thought it would be a perfect project to complete this year. I did cheat however and bought the $9.97 Gingerbread house that is already put together from Wal-mart...those who know me, know my lack of patience and craftiness. They had fun decorating them with the candy provided.

We then went on to our 2nd project of making Christmas Cookie Cut-Outs. This looks a lot easier than said. WHAT A MESS! I have to admit, I am not Suzy Homemaker by any means. I mean, I love to take pictures, scrapbook, clean -YES I LOVE TO CLEAN, but cooking is not my forte'! I hate messes in the kitchen. This was a 3 hour mess! Preston was very anxious to decorate his cookies, well the first one. Heath and I ended up decorating the rest just so we got everything cleaned up before bed. I do have to pat myself on the back, and let you know that they tasted excellent! We've had our experience baking Christmas Cookies...we shall see what next year brings.

Conner was all about decorating his cookies.

The one and only cookie Preston decorated.

Corby had lots of fun adding sprinkles to his.

I think more were eaten, than decorated.

Our finished cookies. Can you tell which ones Conner decorated?

Corby had to have a taste of the Gingerbread House frosting.

Preston was needing some help getting his icing spread evenly.

Corby takes time in everything he does...sometimes too long! :)

The finished Gingerbread Houses.

5 Months Old

Quin turned 5 months old today. I'm telling you, the months keep flying! Since we took him to the dr. the other day for his checkup, he told us to go ahead an put him on baby food! Guess he thinks he is a pretty big baby! I know this is embarrassing, but we just moved him up to the crib on Friday night. It was really just us not wanting to move him upstairs. You know it is a long way up there if he would start to cry! He did really well, and slept all night. So the official bassinet will go back to Quinn's house for her new arrival in March.

He is starting to get spoiled, and when one of us leaves the room he starts to whimper. Guess it could be worse. He is such a happy baby! I know the pictures pretty much look the same from month to month...except for his cheeks filling out even more, but this is pretty much him. Content and Happy as can be.

Ahhh...Finally Some Solids

Yes, I know that he is almost 5 months old and has yet to have cereal! We finally slowed down our busy pace tonight and gave Quin his first taste of solid foods! He pretty much knew what to do, and mastered the skill very quickly. We took him to his check-up the other day and he weighed 17.2 pounds. He is in the 95% of both weight and head circumference! OK...my kids have big heads! They come out these tiny little things, and then within a matter of months they are huge! I say it's to hold all those big brains with! He is the happiest baby I can recall! He only really screams when he is hungry...by looking at him, you can tell that he has yet to miss a meal!

Getting ready for his first taste of cereal.

Would you please hurry up and get that thing out of my face.

This stuff is pretty good!

He started to spit raspberries towards the end. A true sign he was filling up fast.

OK, I think he was getting over served by this point.

Andi Has A New Baby....

BROTHER!!! Thomas James Belt was born on Monday, December 3rd. This was a very special day as he will celebrate his birthday with his cousin Preston. Preston was pretty proud that he now has a family member sharing his birthday. He was always a bit jealous, because Corby celebrates his birthday with Grandma Michaele. Big Sister Andi was very proud, but seemed to want to spend more time with Baby Quin when we visited the hospital.

It is hard for me to understand that at the age of 31 I am an official Great-Aunt! My Great-Aunts seemed so old to me when I was growing up. Jessi is such a great family member to me, but really seems more like another sister (and Gina! :) We are so blessed to have them in our family and they are wonderful parents!

Congrats Jessi, Travis, and Andi!

Please bear with my pictures, they might be a little pixelly (sp). My new camera had to be sent off because the card reader was broken, therefore my camera stopped working. If any of you know my OCDness (if that is a word), you will understand how agitated I was! Best Buy did tell me however that I should have it back by the 15th! They must understand the urgency I have in order to get all of my holiday photos taken!

Can't wait to see her soon!

Big Sister Andi with Quin

Andi was all about giving Quin kisses.

This is what we were told a baby looks like with hair. We never got to experience this with ours, as they all came out bald!

Look at the difference 4 1/2 months makes! Time Flies!

Preston on his special 6th Birthday holding his new baby cousin Thomas James (I think he is going to go by TJ).

Proud new momma Jessi and baby Thomas.

Preston's 6th Birthday Bowling Bash

It was a hit! Preston had 10 of his 16 classmates show up for his Bowling Bash Birthday, along with 4 of his cousins. It was great that everyone could still make it, since we had to reschedule due to the weather interruption yesterday. The kids had a great time bowling. I will say it was pretty organized trying to get all the kiddos in order to bowl on a specific lane. They really didn't care how many they knocked down, just as long as they got a turn. The place was wonderful and provided all the cups, napkins, plates, and a party room for $18/Lane for 6 kids and that included shoe rental and 1 hour of bowling! I thought that was pretty cheap entertainment! Preston had a great 6th birthday!

Oh and thanks to my friend Dawn for taking these pictures! I was running around crazy trying to keep everyone happy! When I got home though, I was having trouble pulling the pictures up, so Dawn had to come to my rescue and figure out my camera difficulties. I'm having trouble with my card, and therefore my camera is not cooperating! I'm really hoping our niece Jessie has her baby tomorrow, because we are going to be making a run to Best Buy!!!

Well here come the birthday pictures!

My baby Preston will be 6 tomorrow! It is so hard to believe how time has flown! Little over 4 years ago he had a virus that attacked the cerebellum of the brain. We thought he would never walk again! Look at him today!

The group picture.

Preston was all smiles at his birthday party! He loves to go bowling.

Preston watching intensely, as to how many pins he knocked down.

Lauren, a classmate of Preston's. (My friend Dawn's older daughter).

Grandy celebrating Preston's 6th birthday party with him. He teased him a lot today about the pretty classmates he had.

Lauren, Lila, Bailey, and Mackenzie, all classmates of Preston's.

Grandma Michaele helping Preston read his cards.

Preston opening his presents.

His cousin Maggie.

His cousin Sydney.

The Preston "Look".

Preston getting ready to blow out candles.

Preston's cake.

Preston was proud of his Bowling Pin he was presented by the bowling ally that the kids got to sign their name on.

The Day Has Finally Come....

for me to quit decorating!!! If you have been following in my past posts, you would have read, like an idiot, I was asked to be on the Holiday Home Tour, and without even hesitating, I said YES! Did I mention, that I didn't run it by Heath first. So those of you who know him personally, would know that he wasn't thrilled to say the least. I really don't know why it bothered him that much, because he really hasn't had that much to do in this whole ordeal! I made him hang pictures downstairs that have been sitting in our storage room for months. I thought this way, I could finally portray them!

Well here is the other blow on this event. Today was suppose to be Preston's birthday party in Quincy. We were to have 17 kids go bowling. Well needless to say, we woke up with 1/4 covered ice on the roads! So no party today, which means as a mom you frantically have to come up with Plan B. I called the bowling ally and they were gracious enough to let us reschedule our party for tomorrow from noon-2. Smack dab in the middle of the home tour! So, luckily I am having 2 individuals from the Chamber give my tour. I'm sure it will go as planned, even though I wasn't thrilled not being in my home.

Well it is 1:22am, and I just finished up the last minute things that needed to be completed before tomorrow. I am making the boys sleep in the basement so we don't wake up with any accidents in their bed...if you know what I mean. I really don't have time to do a load of sheets and get beds made in the morning when we are going to have to leave for Quincy by 10am...because bad mom had Wal-mart make Preston's cake that will need to be picked up.

Well here are just a few photos. I didn't shoot any of the basement, as the boys were sleeping.

Good night to all!

Happy Holidays!